How To Prepare For A Day Hike

Going on a day hike is the highlight of my week. Getting outdoors and into nature can be such a stress-reducing activity. Not being fully prepared has often left me feeling anxious on the hike, which is never great! Before a hike, it is essential to put in the legwork ahead of time to start out on a good foot.

Here are 7 things you need to do to prepare for a day hike:

1. Get to know your trail
2. Check the weather forecast
3. Create a hiking checklist
4. Wear appropriate hiking clothing
5. Wear appropriate hiking shoes
6. Eat before your hike
7. Drink lots of water!

This process is so important to learn, even if you are an expert hiker, as we can all forget certain things from time to time! Going through the 7-steps will vary in time depending on how intense your hike is. However, on average, it takes me around 4 hours.

1. Preparing For A Day Hike: Get To Know Your Trail

Before you do anything, you need to get to know your hiking trail. This step is vital so that you know what to expect and don’t go into the hike blind.

When looking at your trail, take note of:

• Distance
• Terrain
• Elevation

All of the above will help give you an indication of the type of hike, when you should begin, the shoes and clothes you need, and indicates the difficulty level.

If you’ve hiked before, you know how scary it can be to realize you are lost! Take the time to plan your paths and the route you are going to take.

2. Preparing For A Day Hike: Check The Weather Forecast

It’s vital that you look at the weather forecast as soon as possible. This step is important so that you are well prepared for that weather.

Once you know the weather, you can pack and dress accordingly! If it's sunny, make sure to pack sunscreen. If it's rainy, make sure to pack a rain jacket.

Tip: Even if the weather looks nice, a sudden shift in temperature can quickly turn your beautiful day hike into an unpleasant one. I would advise packing in extra protection (regardless of what the weather app says) so that if you’re caught in bad weather, you will still enjoy your hike!

3. Preparing For A Day Hike: Hiking Checklist

Creating a hiking checklist is so important – this can make or break your hike! We all forget things, so the goal of this checklist is to help you remember everything.

Your hiking checklist should include the following categories:

• The hiking gear you need
• Navigation instruments
• Appropriate Clothing/Footwear
• Food & water
• Emergency Items
• Health & Hygiene items
• Additional items

The above is a simplified version, so here is the comprehensive hiking checklist you can use to ensure that you don’t miss anything! I use this hiking checklist every time.

4 and 5. Preparing For A Day Hike: Clothing And Shoes

Now it’s time to get dressed! Choosing the proper clothing is important so that you are comfortable. The goal here is to make sure what you are wearing is suitable for where you are hiking.

In this step, you need to note the terrain of the hike, the duration, and the weather on the day. What you wear does vary depending on each individual hike.

There are, however, some general tips I can give you when it comes to dressing for a hike.

Preparing For A Day Hike: Clothing And Shoe Tips

Firstly, it is key to dress in layers. Layers allow you to adjust what you are wearing according to the weather. I have often been caught with too few layers and have left my hike with mild frostnip!

It’s a great idea to wear long socks, no matter the weather, so that you protect your legs from any scratches or abrasions. Long socks can look super uncool but trust me, you would rather look uncool than have multiple Band-Aids on your legs!

Make sure that you are wearing breathable pants – not jeans! Choose your pants based on what will make you the most comfortable.

When it comes to hiking shoes, take a close look at the terrain of the hike, the hiking shoe material, and the cut of the shoe. There are a variety of types of hiking shoes and boots that are ideal for different conditions. Take the time to assess your options and pick the shoe that is just right for your hike!

If you are a beginner, the lightweight hiking shoe or trail running shoe will be just fine for a simple day hike. The more experienced you get, the more I would advise investing in a pair of proper hiking shoes or boots!

Always take along a hat! You can’t go wrong if you have a hat in your backpack.

Finally, stay away from any clothes that are made from cotton. Cotton is known to absorb and hold moisture which can be unpleasant on a hike. Go for a shirt which can wick away your sweat to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

6. Preparing For A Day Hike: Eating

The step gives you important information on what to eat before and during your hike but also what you shouldn’t eat! You want to make sure you have given your body the proper nutrients and energy for a hike.

Preparing For A Day Hike: Eating Beforehand

It’s best to eat 2 hours before any exercise. I usually plan and prepare what I’m going to eat the night before so that it’s ready in the morning. This will save you time and stress!

The list below consists of the best things you can eat before going on a day hike:

• Oatmeal
• Eggs
• Nut butter
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nutrition Bars
• Whole-grain pasta
• Low-fat yogurt
• Brown rice

All of the above will give you energy and stamina for your hike. But remember to consume at least 2-hours before!

Before a hike, you should NOT eat:

• Burgers
• Fruit Juice
• Cheese
• Candy Bars
• Cream-based sauces
• Spices
• Carbonated drinks such as Coca-Cola
• Milk

As tempting as these are, please try your best to stay away from these foods. These foods are harder to digest and can upset your stomach on a hike. Been there, done that!

Preparing For A Day Hike: Eating During

For any hike less than an hour, you do not need to worry about packing in food if you’ve eaten beforehand. Any hike longer than an hour, I would advise packing in something to eat.

Some great options for during hike snacks:

• Bananas
• Cereal
• Trail Mix
• Granola Bars
• Nuts or Seeds
• Nut Butter
• Dried Fruit

My personal favorites to take along are a fresh banana, a granola bar and trail mix!

7. Preparing For A Day Hike: Water

Probably the most important step, and why I’ve separated it from everything else, is drinking water. You cannot go on a hike, no matter how short, without water! This step will make sure that your body is functioning at its best and is important to prevent issues associated with dehydration.

Staying hydrated is essential for a hike. Drink lots of water before you begin your hike, and then take continuous sips throughout your hike.

The minimum size water bottle that I would recommend is 1 liter. Fortunately, many water bottles, such as the popular Nalgene water bottle, already come in this size. If it is a lengthy hike, then 2 liters minimum!

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for a day hike is very simple! The 7 steps will make sure that you haven’t forgotten anything so you can enjoy your hike fully! I use this preparation guide every time, and so should you!